The world’s second-largest tobacco company also announced a dividend increase of 1 per cent to 217.8 pence and a £2 billion share repurchase programme for 2022.

It posted a 51 per cent rise in adjusted sales of its new categories product line which includes e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and oral nicotine.

Before adjusting items and including the dilutive effect of employee share schemes, adjusted diluted earnings per share declined 0.8 per cent to 329 pence from 331.7 pence.

The maker of Lucky Strike and Camel cigarettes said it expects constant currency revenue growth of 3-5 per cent this year.

British American Tobacco shares have risen more than 20 per cent in the past year.